By Anita-Joy Uwajeh (performer)
I think that Bow Down combines the best of fairy tales and soap operas. It has rivalry, jealousy, love, good versus evil and a cliff-hanger. It is Cinderella and Snow White wrapped up in a dramatic nightmare.
In Bow Down, I play the fair sister which transforms throughout the play to become a ghost then a harp. After being drowned by her sister, she becomes a ghost and when her body is discovered by the miller’s son, it is used to construct a harp!
There have been several interesting experiences on this project. But the ones which have stuck out the most are the different types of movements that we were able to create through identifying physical reactions to different surfaces like hot and cold, wet and dry.
Moreover what has made this process amazing is the cocktail of artistic specialties within our ensemble. We are made up of musicians, dancers, actors and singers. And because we all bring something different to the play we are able to support each other when difficulties arise.
What has been most difficult for me is adjusting my body to all the physical movements we have been doing and overcoming my fear of singing in public! So after this I am in definite need of doing some yoga and getting a massage!
But ultimately Bow Down has really challenged me because it has stretched me beyond my comfort zone and pushed me to explore my limits.
Our latest blog posts:
On the origins of Bow Down
Meet the cast of Bow Down
Mana Shibata: On meeting Sir Harrison Birtwistle…
Bow Down: behind the scenes video
Finding my rythm in Bow Down
Rehearsing Bow Down: an atypical process
Going beyond the music with Bow Down
Beyond the story: the set and locations of Bow Down
Bow Down performance spaces
Bow Down in pictures
